David Krackhardt

David Krackhardt pioneered the concept of “cognitive social structures,” wherein individuals provide their perceptions of the entire network in which they are embedded. Empirically, he has related these perceived structures to turnover, reputations, and power in organizations. Prior to his current position at Carnegie Mellon University, he served on the faculty at Cornell University Graduate School of Management, the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, INSEAD (France), and Harvard Business School. Over the past 15 years, Krackhardt has focused his research on how the theoretical insights and methodological innovations of network analysis can enhance our understanding of how organizations function. He also is interested in developing methodologies that improve the understanding of networks and their implications. In this arena, his contributions include adapting the quadratic assignment procedure to multiple regression analyses of network data. In addition, Krackhardt has developed methods drawing from graph theory for studying the shape and structure of organizations as a whole. His current research agenda includes developing models of diffusion for controversial innovations, exploring and testing visual representations of networks, identifying effective leverage points for organizational change, and exploring the roles of Simmelian (that is, super-strong) ties in organizations. Krackhardt’s work has been published in a variety of journals in the fields of psychology, sociology, anthropology, and management. Krackhardt holds a BS from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a PhD from the University of California, Irvine.